The pros and cons of buying your wedding veil with your dress

It's a common dilemma: Should you buy your wedding veil with your dress or is it better to find one online?

Choosing your wedding dress is one of the most exciting and significant moments of wedding planning. But what about the veil? Should you buy your veil at the same time as your dress, or wait until you’ve had some time to think about it and find one online?

This is a common dilemma for many brides, and both options have their pros and cons. We also discuss a third option which is the best of both worlds: where you skip the ‘middle man’ and work directly with a reputable bridal accessories designer who has an extensive knowledge of fabrics and styles, and offers the in-store experience virtually via virtual styling appointments. We’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each approach to help you make the best decision for your special day.

Buying your veil with your dress

Pros:

Purchasing your bridal veil with your dress ensures that the two pieces are coordinated. Bridal consultants can help you try on veils with your dress, giving you a clear picture of your complete bridal look.
Buying both items at the same time can save you trips to the bridal salon and make the process more streamlined.
Some bridal shops offer discounts or package deals when you buy your dress and veil together. This can be a cost-effective option if you’re looking to stay within a tight budget.

Cons:

The excitement of finding your dress might make you feel pressured to choose a veil quickly. You might not have enough time to consider all your options or think about how different veil styles align with your vision, height or personal style.
Bridal stores have a limited range with generic styles that suit a broad range of dress styles.
Your style and preferences might evolve as you continue planning your wedding. A veil that seemed perfect at the time of dress shopping might not feel right later on.

Buying your veil online after some time

Buying anything online can be hit and miss. When it comes to purchasing your accessories online, it’s important to do your research, read reviews online about the seller and look at photo testimonials from brides before you proceed to checkout.

Online wedding accessory retailers generally fall into 3 categories. Each has its own budget range, however the cost of working with a specialty maker can be far less than you think.

Cheap, low-quality knock offs of reputable designer brands which have poor attention to detail and are made from low-quality fabrics. While they might look good in pictures, these images are often stolen from designers and don’t represent the final product.
Online bridal veil sellers that offer standard lengths and limited variations. Sometimes these sites are reseller sites where they don’t offer stylist advice, so can be difficult to understand the subtle differences between colour and styles.
Specialty wedding accessories designers and makers who offer unique, fashion-forward and innovative designs, offer expert styling advice, design and handcraft all pieces from scratch and are able to work with you to develop a unique piece that complements your vision and enhances the look of your dress.

Pros:

Waiting allows you to consider various veil styles and lengths without feeling rushed. You can take your time to explore different options and find the one that truly resonates with you and your vision.
By waiting, you can take into account other accessories you plan to wear, such as a headpiece, jewellery, or hairstyle. This holistic approach ensures that all elements of your bridal look are coordinated and harmonious.
The variety available online is limitless and often much cheaper* (see ‘cons’ list below)
Purchasing the veil separately can help spread out the expenses.
Reputable and high quality bridal veil designers will offer customisations – big or small – including changes to length, width and embellishments.
It’s always an option to have a custom made veil that is unique and reflects your personal preferences. Having additional time allows you to work with a designer to create a bespoke piece that perfectly matches your dress and personal style.
Fashion trends can change, and waiting a bit longer might allow you to incorporate newer styles that have emerged that bridal shops don’t have in stock.

Cons:

Without the immediate visual of trying on veils with your dress, it might be more challenging to envisage the final look. You’ll need to rely on memory, photos or subsequent dress fittings to make your decision.
*Both a pro and a con, the cheaper prices come with high risk as it’s difficult to know which online sellers are reputable, which sellers are dropshippers with little to no quality control, and whether you will receive a quality product that matches the pictures online. Many online sellers use stolen photographs from reputable designers which is misleading and deceptive. Many brides find themselves purchasing multiple veils online that don’t meet their expectations, which add up to more than the price of a quality veil without the hassle.
Without being about to touch the fabrics and see how they move and drape in real life, it’s difficult to know if your tulle will be soft and lightweight or hard and low quality.

Consider consulting a bridal accessories designer who offers personalised virtual or in-store appointments and rush services

Pros:

There are many benefits to skipping the ‘middle man’ and talking directly to an experienced bridal veil designer. Veil designers can offer expert advice based on extensive knowledge of fabrics, styles and what works best with different types of wedding dresses. They can provide expert advice on choosing the right length, material and style that will enhance your overall look. This is a great option for brides who want something unique or have a specific vision in mind that isn’t available off-the-rack, such as a wedding cape or bridal wings.
Veil prices online are generally cheaper or comparable to veils from bridal shops. The key difference is you are able to get exactly what you envisage with expert styling advice direct from the bridal designer, and shipping and logistics are door to door.
Bridal veil designers can customise your blusher layer to suit your height and hairstyle, and modify embellishments on the veil to showcase key features on your dress, such as a low back.
Designers can incorporate personal touches, such as heirloom details or unique embellishments that hold special meaning for the bride.
Working with a reputable designer means access to higher quality materials and superior craftsmanship. Custom veils are typically made with attention to detail, ensuring they look beautiful and last for years as a keepsake.
Bridal veil designers are adaptable and can accommodate time critical brides or other changes including changes in the bride’s hairstyle. Speaking for ourselves, we exist for our brides so prioritising the needs of our brides and her timelines is crucial to us so accommodating rush orders is part of what we do.
Fabric swatches and samples can be mailed to you so you can touch and feel the fabrics first hand.
Your veil can also be designed with your other accessories in mind, including your headpiece and bridal jewellery.

Cons:

While your bridal veil designer can try on veils for you virtually and talk you through the unique characteristics of each veil, you can’t physically try on the veil yourself.
Time zone differences and coordinating communication can be challenging but this can be minimised with other channels available such as Live Chat and video options.
As the veil will be made just for you, it won’t be possible to return or exchange the veil.

Tips for making the best decision

Whether you decide to buy your veil with your dress, buy one online or work directly with a bridal veil designer online, take plenty of photos of your dress from different angles, including videos, if possible. These images will be invaluable for reference when making your final decision.
Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose what feels right for you. Your wedding day is about celebrating your love and personal style, so go with what makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Deciding when to buy your veil depends on your personal preferences, planning timeline, and how you envisage your overall bridal look. Purchasing your veil with your dress offers the convenience of a coordinated ensemble and expert advice, while waiting allows you more time consider your options and adapt to evolving trends and preferences. Whichever path you choose, remember that the most important thing is how you feel in your wedding attire. A veil is a beautiful finishing touch that should make you feel radiant and confident as you walk down the aisle.

Need personalised styling advice?

Every wedding gown and bride is different and the perfect accessories for you will not only depend on your gown but your personal style, vision, height and hairstyle. At Tania Maras, we have over 15 years experience designing and handcrafting bridal accessories for brides worldwide. We offer tailored styling advice, both virtually and in store, where we share our design knowledge with you so you can brides to create the perfect veil that you will love to keep as an heirloom after your wedding day.

Get in touch with us – we would love to hear from you!